Retro Sliding Cabinet Overhaul

I bumped into this mid century book case, littered with gardening and hardware tools, at a thrift shop. I didn't immediately notice it in its messy condition but I quickly determined that it was retro and needed to become mine.

I picked out Valspar shades Silver Fox blue and metallic gold spray paints. I started by dismantling the unit and cleaning each piece with a bucket of warm water, wet 320 grit sandpaper and a rag to prepare for paint. This shade of blue is almost perfectly fitting for the era and I accented the hardware with gold just to break up the color. 

This piece is originally a room divider from the 60's style mod. The sliding cabinet is sized to house old 45 records. I love this piece. It holds history! 

Before

Gone Light Fixture Crazy

Light fixtures are becoming my new thing lately, as I picked up two today just out and about antiquing. I have an idea for another one but is still in the works!

This pretty little light would be perfect for an entranceway or foyer. I went out and purchased a crystal halogen bulb for it and I just love the quaintness of it.

I also picked up this aged metal chandelier with a nice patina and a cut out design. It has sort of a rustic country feel to it that I just love. The plan is to install new wiring and screw in a couple of Edison bulbs and it will be chic and for sale shortly :) 

Check back for updates and take a peek inside my store at Etsy.com.

Vintage Drafting Stool Rehab

This was an old utility stool that I found in a thrift store for $5 bucks. Rusted to the core, it's only redeeming quality was that it still raised up and down, and had a sticker on it that read State University of New York Harpur college. It's about 40 years old and by the look of it, needed to be rough sanded at least a couple of times. Some people might agree that refinishing this old university stool would be decreasing its value, but for the practical purpose that I plan on using it for, and the amount of work that needed to be done to it; I think its better off NOT sitting at the back of a thrift mart. Lucky me!
The refinishing process

I used a rough 180 grit sand paper and metal sponge to wipe the entire surface, removing loose rust and debris. A bucket of water helped keep the sponge clean after the initial sanding once-over. I moved on to a spray metal primer and covered the dings and imperfections that would surely show through the coat of enamel. Next I used a clean bucket of water and wet 600 grit sandpaper to fine sand the surface. And lastly, I gave the stool one last preparation of wiping it with a clean wet rag and let it dry, removing dust. I spray painted metal enamel in Rustoleum's Almond.